Oerqs and H^^i^^s 

of tl?e 

School l^oom. 



Bg 



Mrs. A. S. !NI. OravA/ford. 



PRINTED BV 
PATTERSON. VANCE & CO. 



Gerqs and f^elics 

of tlje 

School l^oom. 



o"" 



'^ ^ Bu i.'AR 3 K. ,1 

IVIrs. A. S. N. Cr3\A/ford. 



1891. 



prtntfd bt 

patteeson, vance & co. 

Des Moines, Iowa. 



COPYRIGHTED 1891, 

By Mrs. A. S. N. CEAWFORD, 

DES MOINES, IOWA, 



Pteface. 



"Thinking— gives us powerful minds; 
Loving— gives us faitliful liearts; 
Labor— gives us strong muscles, 
These three includes all that is valuable." 

After spending the best part of my life in the 
teachers' field, at least long enough to teach 
about fifty-two terms of school, and enroll on 
my books nearly one thousand different names, 
having taught in only nine different districts, 
of course it comes to me forcibly that I 
might possibly do some good even now, by 
placing before the young, a true sketch of the 
lives of some of my pupils. I shall ever feel 
thankful for the idea that prompted me to urge 
all when I left them to write to me occasion- 
ally their experience in life from time to time, 
now I select out of these the letters which com- 



PREFACE. 



pose this little book; many no doubt will be 
recognized even now. I also head each letter 
with a poem selected from my scrap-book. As 
old age creeps on preventing me from acting in 
that capacity, I sit with the gray hairs drop- 
ping from my once golden ringlets, whilst I 
wipe my glasses that I may take a better look 
at the w^riting, figures, pictures and all the me- 
mentoes from my flocks. At times I can not 
restrain a hearty laugh as many sights bring 
forcibly to my mind the many childlike re- 
marks and acts, yet as quickly does my bosom 
heave a sigh, for many of those hearts are 
bursting with grief to-day. In my rummage 
I find many relics of those days that I am loth 
to consign to the flames. Whilst I sit and 
mentally review my labor I feel that a school- 
teacher's duty is a nobler work than our preach- 
ers; our dear teachers prepare them to properly 
accept the laws of God as presented by the min- 
ister. The teachers work appears to me to be 
a Divine work. Now I am a mother and a 
widow. God only knows how I long to be again 
at my old work. Privations stare me in the 
face, poor health keeps my limbs quiet, but my 
brain runs riot within its walls; and my chil- 



PREFACE. & 

dren, too small to work, keep my heart from 
aching. It appears that ray work was not all 
done and Ood has taken my companion from 
me that I may yet accomplish something alone. 
Now as I sit here, in my ''Kansas dug-out," 
and read of the terrible works of crime and vice, 
I thank God that I sowed a few words of good 
that I learn have taken root and been sent from 
the lips of my dear ones, and spread far and 
wide. Eeader, you do not know how happy I 
am that the teachers are being encouraged to 
teach the effects of stimulants and narcotics to 
the young. To wait until our children are 
emerging into manhood and womanhood, often 
proves too late. We must not wait until they 
have acquired a habit then begin work; a pre- 
ventative is more successfully used than a cure. 
In the name of all that Heaven holds dear, 
teachers, do not neglect this work. In years 
past I was teaching near Des Moines, Iowa, 
was favored with a call from the school director, 
a man of middle age, well dressed and the proud 
owner of plenty of this world's goods. I shall 
ever remember him as a man with a full pocket 
and a room "to let" in the upper story of his 
form; my reason for impressing him on my 



r> PREFACE. 

memory is, he wounded my feelings, by order- 
ing me to cease spending time (which was 
fifteen minutes each day, ) having a general 
talk with the children on moral and immoral 
habits, comparing good and evil generally. He 
told me the law did not compel me to handle 
such subjects, and he would rather I would put 
that time in on the branches that the law re- 
quired me to handle. How is this, dear teach- 
ers of our precious human jewels, that 
we place in your care from six to eight 
hours nearly ever}^ day, are the branches 
they study, even though they master a long 
list of sciences; are they really, and will 
they eventually prove of greed benefit 
unless they have a moral courage to fathom the 
thoughts that present themselves to their minds, 
regardless of popular opinion? Do we not all 
need to thoroughly understand that continual 
advancement is the dictation of wisdom ? To 
elevate humanity should be the aim of all en- 
lightened generous minds. To this good work 
should be called every element in society. The 
sooner these thoughts are impressed upon the 
minds, the sooner will they take in the surround- 
ino-s of nature, and turn the sio-ht of everv ob- 



PREFACE. 7 

ject into food for thought. The sooner 
will the mind be able to handle the sub- 
jects in human nature, that are crowded thick 
and fast around our pathway, many bad as well 
as good. It is not all parents that take time to 
explain, moral courage, conscientiousness and 
the use of temper, to their childreii as they 
should. In some manner we will all be re- 
warded for every task. Pen cannot describe 
the joy I feel when I clasp hands with men and 
women (that can honesily wear that name) that 
were once my school-children ; to see the lionesi 
pride, virtue and integrity beaming from their 
countenances, as they call me their "old teach- 
er." And as I sometimes re-call their reckless 
parents and their home- training, my heart tells 
me I am repaid for the time I spent there in 
sowing seed. This present age demands of us 
to do all in our power to lift humanity back 
from the gutter into which they are in so much 
danger of falling. How better can it be done 
than for us to iinite, put our "shoulder to the 
wheel" and send from under our care those that 
carry with them a vigorous and pleasing devel- 
opment. We have placed before us physical, 
mental and moral powers to work upon. We 



8 PREFACE. 

must ask ourselves wliat results we desire from 
those powers. Physical education should give 
power, utility and grace. Mental education 
must give power of thought, useful knowledge 
and taste, whilst moral crowns our glory with 
strength of character, useful habits of life and 
pleasure in doing good; right here allow me to 
say it is no small task to successfully act upon 
the moral faculties, in a manner that will pro- 
duce and teach moral courage; yet it must be 
done or all our labor is lost. Then we will see 
men and 'WO)}icii, not ladies and gentlemen, that 
abuse one part of an education to be able to 
mount a stump to say, ''I am master of anoth- 
er." No, we will have those that are able to 
wear the noble name o£ man or icomaa and sup- 
port it too, under trials that now lead to temp- 
tations. As I review the lives of many of my 
pupils, my conscience appears to tell me, I 
neglected my duty in many respects. I believe 
it is the solemn dufy of every pareni to educate 
their sons, to prepare them to become good 
true and noble husbands. Their daugh- 
ters to know and appreciate the loving and 
divine name of wife; then and only then will 
we have homes that are not clouded by untold 



PREFACE. 9 

trouble, and hearts that ache under the trial of 
keeping secret the cause of those clouds. 

I trust I am pardonable if I have been quite 
lengthy in my preface, for I have some precious 
human jewels to educate. Besides I do feel 
anxious for all the rising generation to be bet- 
ter able to withstand evil temptations than the 
present appears to be. 



"Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, 
Have oftimes no connection, Icnowledge dwells. 
In heails replete with thoughts of other men; 
Wisdom in minds attentive to their own, 
Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass, 
The mere material with which wisdom builds, 
Till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, 
Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. 
Knowledge is proud, that he knows so much; 
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more." 




10 GEMS AND RELICS 



ADVICE, 

" I must do as you do?"— Your way, I own. 
Is a very good way; and still, 

There are sometimes two straight roads to a town- 
One over, one under the hill. 

You are treading the safe and well-worn way. 

That the prudent choose each time, 
And you think me reckless and rash to-day 

Because I prefer to climb. 

Your path is the right one, and so is mine, 

We are not like peas in a pod. 
Compelled to lie in a certain line, 

Or else he scattered abroad. 

'Twere a dull, old world, methinks, my friend, 

If we all went just one way. 
Yet our paths will meet no doubt at the end, 

Though they lead apart to-day. 

You like the shade and I like the sun: 

You like an even pace; 
I like to mix with the throng and run, 

And then rest after the race. 

I like danger and storm and strife: 

You like a peaceful time, 
I like the passion and surge of life; 

You like its gentle rhyme. 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 11 

Vou like buttercups pure and sweet, 

And crocuses formed in snow: 
T like the roses born of the heat. 

And the red carnation's glow. 

1 must live my life, not yours, my friend. 

For so it was written down. 
We must follow our given paths to the end. 

But I trust we shall meet— in town. 

—Ella Wheelai'. 

My Trinket Box. — Here I have it spread 
open, expecting to view^ the various tokens of 
remembrance; here I see neckties, gloves, pins, 
cushions, handkerchiefs, (yellow ^ and time- 
stained,) books, vases, napkin rings, scissors, 
perfume bottles, and various other fancy arti- 
cles, besides a handsome qnilt. How can I for- 
get them, how can I do otherwise, than rejoice 
when I hear of their success in life, or weep 
when I learn of trials and troubles surrounding 
them. Pen is inadequate when I think of writ- 
ing all that interests me in this box, so I will 
only venture on a portion of my autograph and 
picture albums. 

My Autograph Album, — where so many 
hands, that have wound their fingers through 
my curls, have placed their names, — lies open 
before me with the names of over one thousand 



12 GEMS AND RELICS 

children written on its pages. Among the list 
is "Bucl," — who was hung by a mob, poor boy! 
I remember him only as a bright affectionate 
youth; But alas! The life I had pictured out 
for this one of "my boys." He loved "not 
wisely, but too well," and when jilted, imme- 
diately all his noble loving nature turned to 
gall. Great Heaven and A 11- wise Judge, can 
justice on earth never be dealt out. SJie could 
murder his mind for life, yet she had commit- 
ted no crime, whilst he murdered her hodjj let 
her mind go free, yet he must haug; which 
was and ivhere was the worst murderer, and 
murder committed? 

Next below his name in large bold letters is 

the name of Miss of Davenport, Iowa, 

now a noted physician. Although her age is 
creeping past forty, she yet writes her name 
3£iss, and proud of her name am I, and 
prouder still to know 'twas me that started her 
in physiology long before it was "law" to teach 
it in common schools. When I gave a few oral 
questions, she became deeply interested, and 
asked me questions that led to investigation. 
May God bless her work and may she live to 
do much more good, work. 



OF THE SCHOOL EOOM, V6 

Now I turn to the name of prim little black- 
eyed Hattie. How I loved that girl, yet in af- 
ter years, her parents persuaded her to wed for 
popularity and appearances. The consequences 
were, she was no longer her former self, but a 
real "married flirt" which led from bad to 
worse, till her husband, returning home one 
day, found one of her admirers there, instantly 
shot him, then fled for his life. Now my once- 
innocent petted one is in the insance asylum 
where no doubt her days will end. 

Here written upside down, in great scrawl- 
ing^ letters, is the name of ^ionof-leTfofed, red- 
headed" George, thus he was "dubbed" at 
school; because he was so reckless and appar- 
ently thoughtless. Now reader did I hear you 
say, what need you tell about him? I simply 
wish to say he is among our best ministers: his 
arguments cannot be contradicted. He has led 
many souls to Christ. To his name is linked 
the name of another, I find here written, 'tis 
that of Madie — a lovely sweet girl, and if such 
a thing is possible here on earth, their home is 
a "branch establishment of Heaven." 



14 UEMS AND KKLICS 

Now I tind some rhymes which I will copy 

••>[>■ Lovin<>" Teach or. 

Pigs love tatersv 

Pigs loA^e squash. 
And I love you. 
I dov by gosh. 
Joe." 

''My Dear Teacher. 

When bothered by mosquitos, 

Or tortured by a flea. 

Then my loving teacher. 

Oh. r?o remember me. 

Kitty." 

'•Good Old Teacher. 

^fay you but livcv 

And have good times. 
And marry the man, 
That's got the dimes. 

Jim.'* 

"Our Loved Teacher. 

Remember me my Dearest Friend. 

As o'er these simple lines you bend: 
It is a sign of friendship for you. 
And in return remember 

vSou." 

'*Our Loyal Teacher^ 
Good Bye! I take your hand in ming, 

Oh friend and teacher, tried and true. 
In my beings inmost shrine, 
I make a sacred place for you, 

Charlie." 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 15 

For fear of getting tliis chapter monotonous, 
I will give bat one more written by a girl that 
has spent her life in doing good. 

"Friend and Teacher, 
How shall we act toward those who daily wound us, 

And turn the-.sweets of life to bitter gall? 
How shall we cure the evils that surround us, 

Holding our pent up struggling souls in thrall. 
Forgive the flrst and pray that they may alter, 

And turn their footsteps in the better way; 
Endure the last with faith that will not falter, 

And night at last will turn to brightest day. 

Your Loving Annie." 



My Picture Album — Is one my own teacher 
gave me, when ten years old, for regular attend- 
ance. I have appropriated it to my pupils' 
pictures, over which I very often look, recall- 
ing the scenes and remarks of many, the death 
and funeral of so.me, the wedding day of several, 
the good work that many are at and the down- 
trodden life that some are living. 

In this I find the faces and forms that many 
think farthest from beauty, have been most 
successful in life. Here is the picture of sweet 
little Olie that I went home with to take tea. 



16 GEMS AND EELICS 

Not being room at tlie table for her she did not 
come into the dining-room until just as her 
father had finished returning thanks, then 
she came all excitement, exposing a small object 
she held in the little fat hand, saying, "what 
is this thing anyway." "My child," said the 
sedate father, "that is called a tree-toad." Very 
earnestly she looked for a moment, and then 
astonished all by remarking, "It's a devil of a 
looking thing papa." 

By her side is the very image of noble little 
Fred that was dubbed coward, homely, and was 
constantly imposed upon. At the age of six- 
teen saved a lady, unknown to him, from a 
watery grave. Being near an overflowing 
stream, he urged, this lady when he saw, not to 
attempt to cross; failing to pursnade her to 
give it np, he saw the current was taking her 
cart, horse and all down the stream. He rushed 
to her rescue, saving her but losing horse and 
cart. For this act he was rewarded, with three 
thousand dollars. When he assured her it was 
not for money that he acted thnsly, she replied^ 
"The more noble the deed. All my life I have 
spent with plenty; oh, how often have I ridi- 
cnled clothes like vours and the wearer also. 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 17 

When I lieard your kind advice I heeded it 
not, but did observe yonr shabby garments. I 
now see how little good I have done in life. 
Yet you saved me that I might yet be instru- 
mental in doino^ some o^ood work." The note 
that accompanied his money read thus: 

*' J\Iy Dear Boy: — 

My pen nor my money cannot express my 
gratitude, yet I send you this amount that you 
may complete your education and do all the 
good you can. 

God bless you is my prayer, 



This youth is io-daij, a gray headed man, 
traveling over the country finding homes for 
orphans. 

Of one more will I speak, and that is a black- 
■eyed, raven-haired, dignified missionary worker, 
thai is now across the ocean doing successful 
work. From reports I understand her heart is 
in her work, her advice is sought by many 
older heads than her own. AVhen a child she 
was rough, rude and boyish yet every act would 
force a smile to tlie face of the most dio-nified. 



18 GEMS AND RELICS 

Well do I remember her first day at school; 
being in the school room alone with me at noon^ 
I talked freely with her, as I Joved to hear her 
speak words she could not yet master. Soon 
she came and stood at my side by my table, 
and asked if she could sing me a song, of course 
I told her to do so. Thumping her little fin- 
gers on the desk as an accompaniment, and 
lisping too, as she rattled off the following with 
a sweet tune, that was no doubt meant to roll 
around far different words : 

"The prettiest little girl I ever saw, 

She lived in South Carolina, 
Her red rose cheeks a d her coal black hair, 

Her name was Angelina. 

The very next day at my infair, 

While sitting at the table, 
She flew at me and pulled my hair, 

And licked me 'cause she was able. 

If ever I marry again in this world, 

'Twill 'be for love or riches, 
Tor the worst thing in this world, 

Is the woman that wears the breeches." 

Away down in one corner in a well tied bun- 
dle I find a few notes I should not consider 
right to slight; they are epistles of congratula- 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 19 

tion from some o£ my pupils upon my wedded 
life. I was a 'jolly old maid' and of course many 
were the jokes passed over my head, and as a 
matter of course many ol; my remarks were un- 
earthed when it was learned I had married an 
old gentleman, with a Bible name that I had 
jested over. 

"Cheyenne, Wyoming. 
Mfj Beloved Teacher: 

My heart is full of joy which I wish to 
extend to you, on your new voyage. May 
peace and happiness be with you both, and love 
ever be the ruling power in your home. My 
home has been so happy with love to guard it 
that I know Heaven rejoices over a happy home. 
I thank God that you taught your pupils what 
true love was, also how to nourish it and keep 
it active. May God bless you in your new 
work, as I believe he ever did in your field of 
labor as a teacher, yet I know you will never 
cease to teach, for every one who comes into 
your house will go away with some new thought. 
Hoping to again clasp hands with you, I am 
As ever your pupil, 

ErriE." 



20 gems and relics. 

"San Francisco, Cal, 
Mrs. Ebenezer: 

Here I am ready to hug you and your man 
too, (if you'll let me) that I may inform you 
that I wish you JOY. Now that you have 
really got a man by the name of Ebenezer, how 
do you like the name ? 

Just the same 

Jennie." 

"St. Joseph, Mo. 
Our Dear Old Teacher; 

I learn with pleasure of your step into 
matrimony and trust happiness may ever be 
your lot. We had all 'booked' you as a con- 
firmed 'old maid.' Teacher allow me to add, 
we cannot forget the laughable manner in which 
you used to recite the line, 

"Far better be the whole of one, 
Than just the half of two." 

Yours lovingly, 

Eliza." 

Yankton, D. T. 
Mrs. Ebenezer: — 

Teacher ask your 'Ebenezer' if I can hug 
you, in vay mind, only to let you know I con- 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 21 

p-atnlate you on getting "an old man with a 

fat pocket-book and a bad cough." Oh th 

I never intended to say that, don't let him read 
it, for fear he will really take some horrid 
coughing trouble and end his days immediately, 
for I would then feel bound to take care of the 
widow the i-emainder of her days, and then 
'gosh' who would take care of me? You and 
Ebenezer come up and 'take tea' with me on 
m.y homestead. 

Truly yours, 

Jay," 




22 GEMS AND KELICS 



WORDS. 

How great the power of a word, 

'Tis such a little thing. 
Yet it maj^ bear the sweetest thought 

Or bear the sharpest sting. 

Hard words are like a poisoned dart, 
That brings sharp pains to him that hears, 

And rankles deep within the heart, 
And makes a wound unhealed by years. 

A careless, thoughtless word is like 
A wanton arrow by an archer shot, 

Be it a hard one it were better far 
Had it remained unspoken thought. 

Kind, gentle spoken words have power 
That only wounded spirits know. 

And fall upon the cold, hard heart, 
Like sunshine falling upon snow. 

If we would keep the cruel words 

And only let the kind ones go, 
'Twould save us much regret and tears, 

Much of the sorrow we now know. 

If to the friends who toil for us, 
We would more oft and gently speak, 

We might receive the peace we prize, 
The happiness for which we seek. 

— MoUifTAINEER. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 23 

To the readers of this little hoolc: 

I have just learned that my dear old teach- 
er and my best friend, is remembering her 
faithful work and her dear children, by '-writing 
us up." Yet I doubt if there be one that has 
ever forgotten her; it appears to me impossible 
that any can live and not every day have occa- 
sion to bring to the front some of the noble 
ideas of courage, patience, honor and duty, that 
she has taught us. I do not wish to speak 
harshly of my father and mother, but to tell 
the truth, / was used roughly at home as well 
as my brothers and sisters. Besides I had a 
very annoying gift from nature, in the shspe of 
what is called a harelip, of the very worst form; 
so that it was impossible for me to speak any 
words distinct Thus at fchool I was the 
"laughing stock." Many times my temper 
grew to a tempest and my strength enabled me 
to handle most of my antagonists. The winter 
I was fifteen a man taught, and I had frequent- 
ly been told, "The big teacher will fix you this 
term." Yes, he tried to "do" me one day. A 
reward was offered on headmarks; my worst 
enemy stood below and next to me. I spelled 
my w^ord, I know, correctly, my enemy vowed I 



24 GEMS AND RELICS 

did not, and attempted to go above me. I 
could not make the teacher understand one 
word, and when he tried to get me forward to 
use the whip he had had cut and dric^d for some 
time, my temper knew no bounds, I seized the 
iron stove- [)oker and "[)oked'' him one, then held 
the rest at bay with my weapon until I could 
get out of their way. I was then turned out of 
school. I teas a good reader and speller but 
none knew it. I very seldom missed a word, 
and my memory appeared to be my only friend. 
Here I was out in a lonely country, friendless, 
and with a craving mind, no money to do with 
and parents that seemed to think work is all he 
can do, and that must all be done with his 
muscle. Thus when the first of May brought 
our "little school-ma' m'' into our school. I was 
persuaded to throw my hat when we were called 
in, up near to her to see what the consequences 
would be. She only raised her eyes to see 
from whom it came. She did not sit down as 
was the custom in the "big chair," but j)ut my 
hat there instead, then smilingly remarked: 
"Now children let us see who can have the best 
lessons." Next she is walking down the aisle to 
me and laying her hand on my shoulder, (I 



OF THE SCHOOL EOOM. 25 

can never forget that touch) she asked to look 
at my books. I produced my history with my 
other books. "Now," said she as she raised 
my hair up from my forehead, ''you have a 
good memory, with plenty of brains to back it, 
and tho3e blue eye^ seem to be able to help 
you store up worlds of knowledge, and I hope 
you will try to remember all the good things I 
tell you." Do I remember all? Yes, God 
bless her, every word, and above all do I re- 
member, that I became a new boy, wdiilst she 
stood by my side with her fingers in my hair, 
and well do I remember that I was not the only 
one to wipe my eyes as she went back to the 
table. She kindly released me from reading 
aloud, all history, spelling, etc., was written 
which gave me equal rights. When she found 
I could use my pen quite naturally, she depend- 
ed on me for an essay which she read to the 
school. My last day essay, I selected for a 
subject "Our Teacher;" she did not read this 
without wiping a few tears from her eyes, as 
did every one present. The school-board who 
were present, then and tl e;e engaged her for 
the winter term which was followed with three 
more terms. I went every day and with her 



26 GEMS AND RELICS 

did my scliool-days end, but I liave tried to im^ 
prove every spare moment, as she told me at 
parting. To-day as I sit with pen in hand I 
can feel her hand on my shonlder as she bid 
me "God-speed'' at parting. I cannot close 
this without repeating her last talk with me; 
how kindly did she avoid giving me reason to an- 
swer only with yes, or no; as this would perhaps 
be our last talk, she seemed to know this was 
why I was waiting to see her alone. She laid 
her hand on my arm and drew^ me aside; "By- 
ron, I hope you will lose no time in getting a 
position in a printing office where you can use 
your talent, and soon earn enough to go off and 
get your mouth and lip fixed, so you will be 
ready for a grand work ; be brave, control your 
temper, and do not stoop to fight or quarrel 
with anyone." May God's choicest blessings 
go with her, for twenty years have flown since 
her hand rested on my shoulder for the last 

time, and I have been to C , got my mouth 

and lip fixed, have a lovely mustache, (so my 
sweet wife says,) have delivered a number of 
lectures that have become famous, and now have 
settled down in the editor's chair, and enjoy 
the profits from a large circulation of the — 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 27 

■ , and I believe I owe my success to 

her ''kind words." I enjoy my home if my 
wife does say she has a notion to be jealous of 
the "little school-ma'am" that I alicays remem- 
bered in my prayers. 

Her pupil, 

Byron. 



I must add here, I have not a child among 
all my 'flock' that I remember with more inter- 
est than the author of the above. I had to beg 
to persuade the school-board to let "Such a lit- 
tle mite of a one teach our school and try to 

handle that harelip d ." I stated, I had 

heard of their trouble was why I wanted the 
school. I succeeded, you see how well, and 
when I received the above letter, I wept tears 
of joy to know the monument I built there w-as 
not all washed away from memory's fountain. 
I read his paper monthly, have read all his lec- 
tures; he is a good reasoner, and sincere in his 
christian work. 

"The Lord helps those who help themselves." 



28 GEMS AND RELICS 



A Throng of Women who had Served the Lord. 

FRANCIS EKIX ALLISON. 

A throng" of women who had served the Lord 
Waited hefore heaven's gate for their reward. 

Each sliining soul had her fair record hroiiglit 
Of glorious service for the master wrought. 

One gentle one wlio^e life was full and long 
With her great pen had slain a giant wrong. 

With starving children this one's life was spent; 
To nameless outcasts hope that presence lent; 

For dwarfed and stunted souls these labored well, 
And left lov's blessings in the prison cell. 

For poor humanity and for the lost 

They gave their lives and counted not the cost. 

O! they were bright and beautiful to see! 
Earth's fame had crowned them e'ertheir souls were 
free. 

But one there was who lone and trembling stood 
Among the throng of great and good, 

To whom, the recording angel speaking said, 
'•What dost thou here among the blessed dead 

Bearing no record? Hast thou nothing done 

On earth where these their crowns of glory won?" 



OF THE SCHOOL EOOM. 29 

To whom, she, weeping s:iid, "Let me return 
To that dear earth for which I sorely yearn; 

The hearts that loved me all my service bought 
Not any service for the Lord I wrought. 

Life was too short for me; when death had come 
I had but made on earth a happy home." 

"Ahl sayst thou so! thou well beloved and blest! 
Daughter of heaven, go in among the rest. 

The hearts that lovecl thee thou shalt have again; 
None may return, but thou shalt Icse thy pain. 

For thou shalt breathe in heaven to native air 
And its glorious mansions great and fair 

To thee familiar all its joys shall come; 
Heaven is what thou hast left, a happy home. 



Toledo, Ohio. 
Dear TeacJicr: — I recently heard of your new 
location in the far west. I was glad to hear 
that your health is better. To-day, in momory, 
I live again my school -days. I send you my 
kindest salutation and greet you again as my 
teacher, and it gives me much pleasure to ac- 
knowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe 
to those who so kindly led us along through 
childhood's winding pathway, and U[) the rocky 
heights of learning. Associated with those 
hap»;)y hours are also the pleasant memories of 



30 GEMS AND RELICS 

our early home. Here we can heartily endorse 
what the poet has written: 

"The hills are dearest which our childish feet 
Have climbed; and the streams most sweet 

Are even those at which our young lives drank, 
Stooped to their waters' o'er the gray bank. 

Since you left us ray life, I think, has been, 
on the whole, a success. I have found that we 
are truly our own 'architects,' and that good in- 
fluences are strong anchors for the right. The 
world is a great mountain sending back to us 
an echo of the most pleasing sounds of mankind 
and nature ; but if we are wrong ourselves the 
echoes are discordant and grating. I am en- 
deavoring, as I go through life, to plant seeds 
that may produce fruit, after this body is food 
for motlier earth. Always I remember how 
kindly you taught us of the words of Paul : 
"Be ye temperate in all things." At present 
when the various issues are before us, I hardly 
feel able to keep my pen still. Much, oh so 
much has been said on temperance, ^ esides the 
money, blood and lives that have h m wasted. 
And when all is counted up, wliLt is tem- 
perance, but the controlling of all our powers? 
Would it then be temperance we were teaching, 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. iM 

for US to say ncrer touch alcoholic stimulants, 
yet allow the suspicious, jealous temper, of that 
pupil to run riot over all the remainder of his 
mind and nature? Can not the fathers, moth- 
'ers. teachers, and yes. our pi-cachcrs too, see 
that there is as much trouble caused by the 
different forms of uncontrollable temper as has 
t?ver been caused by ''King Alcohol," in a pri- 
vate family. 

Were I to take tim-e and space I could name, 
many under my own observation, that never 
drank cunj beverages, yet committed crimes 
and wrongs that many a sot would scorn to 
think of doing. Many, oh so many, that are 
called christian, temperance men, and women, 
see every day, abused homes, the }X3or, trodden 
under foot by the rich, that are drimk on the 
love of wealth and popularity. This is why we 
need the moral power brought out more forci- 
bly and taught to live closer to Ood in 'dittle 
things." Yes, ''Be ye faithful over little and I 
will mak'e you ruler over much," is a command- 
ment with a promise which will ap[)ly to (ill 
phases of life, and by guarding faithfully what 
influence we have, no doubt our our power will 
be strentJ-theued. We ha\'e no riudit to desiroy 



m 



32 GEMS AND RELICS 



or injure ourselves mentally or physically, eith- 
er by gluttony, indulgence or by rash exertion. 
To do this is a sin against the laws of nature 
and our God. The command is, ''Thou shalt 
love thy neighbor as thyself." If we do not 
love ourselves and take proper care of ourselves, 
we have no guide by which to regulate our love 
for others. This is not selfishness, to first love 
ourselves in order to know how to love others, it 
is self-preservation which is the first law of na- 
ture implanted in the very structure of man. 
Here I must tell you of a noted temperance 
lecturer, that came here to speak. I was well 
pleased with her lecture and took her with me 
to my boarding place, which was a home in the 
true sense of the word. After breakfast a little 
boy, I had petted a great deal, ran up to me to 
get his hair curled. My guest looked on for a 
moment, then remarked, "How nice for him to 
be willing to wash and comb, mfj boy is older 
and will not wash or comb, but prefers to go so 
dirty and is so hateful, then, (with a toss of 
her head) I don't like to bother with him. I 
never can love him anyway as I would if it was 
girl." She was much older than I, had on the 
end of her tonsfue the history of many abused 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. -53 

1-liildreii by a druukeii fatlier and mother, 
could tell of the effects of alcohol stimulants 
upon the stomach. For once I bit my lips to 
keep my tongue quiet, yet I wondered if she 
could tell the effects upon home and family for 
R mother to get so drank on love of fame, as to, 
not only neglcci home but omit the love she 
should give her son. She is still lecturing, is 
considered a good woman, gets pay from the 
pnhlic funds. I firmly believe the only frue 
temperance platform is self-control and moral 
courage, and if it is properly taught in every 
family, school and church, then, and only then 
will "King Alcohol," cease to have a demand. 

Trusting that I have not been tiresome, and 
that my words may bring to you^somc pleasant 
ideas to think over, I remain, 

Yours sincerely. 

Eva, 



'64, GEMS AND KELIC 



Tve Made a Foof of Myself. 



Breathps there a fliarf upm the earth< 
Who has not, sometime since his birth. - 
Exclaimetl in accents, far from mirth. 
''I've made a fool of myself." 

Not that he cries it forth aloud, 
Nor in the center of life's crowd, 
But to himself it is aA^owed — 

"'I've made a fool of myself."' 

It may have been among' the girls, 
While in the dances giddy whirls, 
Among the wealth of fashion's pearls— 
''I've made a fool of myself." 

Or IK the gravcT walks of life. 
While mingling in some greater stritev 
When plans- of gain, not love, were rife— - 
'vi've made a fool of myself/' 

£n love or gsein, peace or war,, 
in musing of life's battle o'er. 
We must exclaim, with memor.\' scjfrc— 
"I've made a fool of ntyself." 

Kxperiences ever teaches best: 
So let the memory stir the breiist 
ThM time to come may not suggest — 
"I've ujuidea I'ool of myself.'" 

— P.Y JjiAN PlEKKE. 



OF THE SCHOOL T.OOM. -jO 

I shall now give you a few letters from one 
"Patt," this first a letter he wrote when nine 
years old, when asked, at school, to compose a 
letter to whom he pleased. Of this child, can 
truthfully be said, his mind was not all hilarity 
he was bright in school, if any hurt or 
in trouble he was the first to render aid, yet a 
fecise among his playmates; of course if he 
should ever read these lines he will recognize 
his words, and I trust pardon me for unearth- 
ing them. At present he is a man of wealth 
living in Detroit, Mich. A lovely wife, son and 
daughter adorn his home. He never meets 
trouble half way, or piles up atoms to form 
mounds to look at. These letters were all 
written to me whilst he was yet a boy. 

'•Up stairs in the garret. 
Dear sister and fellow-citizens. I will take my 
pen in hand for this great, glorious, notorious, 
victorious, and explorible union of thirtv-three 
states and seven territories, and the District of 
Columbia, and will also include Central Park 
and Staten Island, to let you know" I am nine 
years old to-morrow. I like my school if I do 
have to give the teacher a few 'obstructions' 



36 GEMS AND RELICS. 

occasionally. I am getting sleepy, I must 
close. AVrite soon and quick to 

Patt.'^ 

"Omaha, Nebraska. 
Dear Old Teachei^: 

My mother and sisters have jnst been tell- 
ing me of all my old tricks, so I believe I will 
tell you. You once told us if we ever had any 
trouble, to write and tell you all. As I have 
no hopes of ever stealing anything or getting 
hung so I could tell about it, or even breaking 
any pretty girl's heart, (for I can't get a mus- 
tache to grow, I shall have to tell of the trials 
and troubles I helped my sweet little sister 
into. The thing she threw" into my face was 
turning the saddle around on her fellow's horse 
whilst he was in talking to her. I guess he 
has never got turned around for he was yet on 
a western route when last heard of and sister 
is yet for market. Then they had to tell me of 
offering to carry a lady across a slough, after 
taking sister across. I think that was gener- 
ous, don't you ? I got very wet and muddy 
but wanted to save her good clothes and shoes 
she was so worried about; alas! that's not all, I 



or THE SCHOOL ROOM. 37 

fell down with my cargo. She should have 
told me the truth about her age and weight 
before we started 

If I did bring a toad wrapped up nicely, 
and give to sister to unwrap, she need not have 
jumped, for the toad jumped. She needed me 
though sometimes, for her new fellow^ came a 
horseback, and put his muddy horse in the 
barn, and I was sent to care for it, and partic- 
ularly to curry it. I did, but I wrote a note 
and tied to its tail, telling him how to put up a 
horse's tail. And then she acted afraid of me, 
yet as she told me of asking her to get a string 
out of my pocket to tie around my sore finger 
where I had a rag wrapped, and was holding 
with both hands, of course she flew to aid me, 
but finding mice instead of string, she jumped 
into the cream jar, and then on to a chair. I 
don't know what they said then, for I wasn't 
there. Now teacher, I am ''Tired and sleepy, 
too," so I will say Good Night. 

Remember me in your prayers and I will 
you. 

Patt." 



8S OEMS AND RELirS 

Oniriha, Neb, 
Kind Old Trachcr: 

Here I am again, this time with a "Trou- 
ble on the mind," as my old song used to say. 
I have a good sized mustache now, about long 
enough to pull and bite, whenever I see some- 
thing at which I wish to laugh, and propriety 
forbids, and I find it quite convenient, too. 
Now as to my trouble. A very wealthy old 
couple here, has a very handsome daughter, 
that fell in love with me, or I fJtoiigId she did, 
so I fell in all over and loved her fit to kill. I 
spent no time with other girls for I thought no 
others worthy of a moment's thought. Now, 
to cut my story short, (for my heart kind 'o 
thumps up against my vest pocket,) a rich 
young Colonel came into our circle of friends, 
and a short time after his appearance I received 
the following 'love letter is it? 

''Friend Patt; After considering the differ- 
ence in our social standing, and you without a 
title, I deem it prudent to cancel oar engage- 
ment. Hoping you may find a heart and hand 
that are your equal, I am yet your friend, 

LiLLIE." 

I read tliis. of course I did, then read it 



OF THE SCHOOL TiOOM. 39 

ao^aiii, to be sure I was correct. I did not 
walk the floor, or get on a drunk as so many 
do, we read about, I went to my writing desk 
and wrote this note: 

"Miss Lillie. I thank you for being honor- 
able enough to own our unequality. If I had 
a title it would not improve my heart and soul. 
Hoping you may wed a iiilc with a bank hang- 
ing to it. I still remain your friend, 

Patt." 

Was that a bad letter for me to write or 
should I have left a tear on the note, and told 
her my heart bumped up and down and refused 
to be quieted? I rather believe now, that I 
was quite lucky to get off so w^ell. Now, if you 
know of a girl that wants a man and not a title, 
tell them I am here and free. If ever make a 
fool of myself again, I'll let you know. 

Good bye, Patt. 



40 GEMS AND RELICS 



TWO SINNERS. 

There was a man, it is said, one time, 

Wlio went astray in liis youthful prime. 

Can the brain Iveep cool and the heart keep quiet 

When the blood is a river that's running riotV 

And boys will be boys, the old folks say, 

And the man is better who's had his day. 

The sinner reformed, and the preacher told 
Of the prodigal son who came back to the fold. 
And the christian people threw open the door 
With a warmer welcome than ever before. 
Wealth and honor were to his command, 
And a spotless woman gave him her hand. 

And the world strewed their pathway with flow- 
ers abloom. 

Crying, "God bless the ladye and God bless the 
groom." 

There was a maiden who went astray 

In the golden dawn of her life's young day. 

She had more passion and heart than head. 

And she followed blindly where fond Love led. 

And love unchecked is a dangerous guide 

To wander at will by a fair girl's side. 

The woman repented and turned from sin: 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 41 

But no door opened to let her in. 

The preacher prayed that she might be forgiven. 

But told her to look for mercy — in heaven; 

For this is the law of the earth we know, 

That the woman is stoned while the man may 

go. 
A brave man wedded her after all; 
But the world said, frowning, ''we shall not 

call." — Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 



Cheyenne, Wyoming. 
Kmd Old Teacher: 

After learning that you wish a word of 
trials or triumphs, as the case may be, from 
your old pupils, I will give you both in my ex- 
perience. Doubtless you remember me as a 
very tender hearted girl, my delight in aiding 
others and promoting their happiness amount- 
ed to a fault, yet no one ever checked my error. 
I appeared to forget any duty whatever to 
self, and live only to enjoy seeing others happy. 
All appeared to love me. I was early taught 
to give up my will and opinion to others, and 
to yield all playthings without a cry or frown. 
I cannot think that proper teaching, for so 
many are brought to bear slander, scorn and 
shame by allowing the heart's feelings to con- 
troll the mind too much, yet I truly believe 



42 GEMS AND RELICS 

that the abstract good of the world owes more 
to the impulsive sympathy, than to the natural 
tendencies of human nature. 

Dear Teacher is it right to compel our chil- 
dren to yield their will to older ones ? Is it right 
to make them yield their judgment to others for 
propriety sake? In doing this do we not pre- 
pare their minds to yield" readily and be per- 
suaded from their better judgment? I be- 
lieve many a mind that have been of more 
real worth to themselves and friends, 
had they even appeared reckless, has been 
bent to yield to the feelings of the heart 
and can now like myself say "I've made a fool 
of myself." I have a mind that can compre- 
hend between right and wrong, yet how often 
has this heart of mine led me astray, from that 
that which was to my best interest. To illus- 
trate to you, what I can sit and cry over to- 
day, if I do not keep hands, feet, mind and 
heart all hiisij, I will tell you as briefly as pos- 
sible, then want you to say if I am a fool or 
have I only let my heart get away with my 
head? I of course had much confidence in 
human nature. As I budded into womanhood, 
mv father and motlier were both taken from 



01' THE HCMOOL liOOM. 4:6 

me. and the friends that I thought best, loved 
me only to take advantage of my extreme 
benevolent disposition, and I was soon led 
astray. Oh, my friend, I have paid the penal- 
ty, if suffering in mind can do it. Nine years 
ago a man met me and in time offered me his 
heart and fortune. I dared not say yes, or no, 
my feelings were intense when pressed for an 
explanation, I urged him to go and I would 
write all. I wrote a truthful account of my 
error and sent it to him. After reading it care- 
fully he came direct to me, to tell me my error 
was forgiven when I was honest enough to 
give a true statement, he would aid me in mak- 
ing amends. We have truly lived a happy 
life together; a handsome boy has blessed our 
union, I shall endeaver to teach him to be an 
honorable friend, or not profess to be a friend 
at all. Trusting I may yet accomplish some 
^ood in this life I shall still continue to fiofht 
deceit. Truly yours, 

Sarah, 



44 OEMS AND HELIOS 



IVIAKE SOMEBODY GLAD- 

On life's rugged road, 

As we journey each day, 
Far, far more of sunshine, 

Would brighten the way, 
If, forgetful of self 

And our troubles, we had 
The will and would try. 

To make other hearts glad. 

Though of the workVs wealth 

We've little in store. 
And labor to l^eep 

Grim want from the door. 
With a hand that is kind. 

And a heart that is true. 
To make others glad. 

There is much we may do. 

A word kindly spoken, 

A smile or a tear 
Though seeming but trifles. 

Full often may cheer. 
Each day to our lives. 

Some pleasure 'twould add. 
To be conscious that we 

Had made somebody glad. 



OV THE SCHOOL KOOM. 45 

Those who sit in the darkness 

Of sorrow so drear, 
Have need of a word 

Of solace and cheer, 
There are homes that are desohite, 

Hearts that are sad — 
Do something for some one, 

Make somebody glad. 



My School I taught in the west. 
Dear Old Teacher: 

Yes, I did reach the goal of my ambition, 
and "was recognized as a "school-ma'am"; and 
now believe will give you my experience wdtli a 
school that from various reasons, is brought to 
my mind daily. Any one stepping out from 
very formula society, into a new country, where 
every one appears ready to enjoy whatever may 
present itself, for either amusement or cultiva- 
tion of the mind, can see at a glance how free 
I breathed, when I closed a city school and was 
whirled over prairie roads for eighty miles, 
alighting at a neat country school-house, where 
I was to teach for four months. I had selected 
this as an airing and recruit from city work, 
whilst at the same time my "purse would not grow 
lean." You teachers of graded schools in the 



40 K^KM'6 AND KELIOS 

city may ask, did you enjoy it? Yes, 1 un- 
doubtedly did, and today can recall no more 
kind and pleasant term of school. The homes 
of all were made comfortable and all who en- 
tered them were made welcome. My school 
consisted of twenty-seven pupils ranging from 
twelve to twenty years of age. All wished 
to have a 'Literary Society' organized, which 
we did, to meet every Saturday eve at seven 
o'clock. Standing up on a hill and looking 
aTound you could not see where so many peo- 
ple came from, as would crowd that school 
house every Saturday eve, for there were fifty- 
two members, old and young, enrolled on that 
list; but when you would ride around over the 
prairie and see into the hillsides where cosy 
"dugouts" were fitted up, then you could see 
where and why so many came out and took 
such earnest interest in all mental work and es- 
pecially anything that would benefit their 
children. The interest in that school and lit- 
ararj I can never forget. Our paper that was 
read each eve was considered by many better 
than the county paper, and well do I remember 
the look the editor of the county j)aper, who one 
eve honored us with his presence,gave the editor 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 47 

'of our ''Every Saturday Night," as he read 
^mong the list of prizes for subscribers to onr 

paper, -'A life-size tintype of our Hon. 

editor of __ -_ /' Many were the jokes 

that were cracked, the dreams some had 
overheard, the love-letters that were supposed 
to be lost, boys advertised lost if any failed to 
return home after the society closed. There 
was no church, not ever a preacher in that lo- 
cality, and only an occasional sermon was 
heard, to which all came and listened to atten- 
tively. Thus good will prevailed throughout 
the entire neighborhood, and everything was 
enjoyed by all. Of course, I with the rest- 
needs must take my share, so right here (of 
course I am pardonable foi- speaking for self) 
1 must tell you there was one young man who 
had grown quite famous in that locality as a 
poet, and on every occasion that offered would 
put before the society a joke in the form of 
poetry. As Christmas drew near, a tree for 
that occasion was next in order. The nearest 
town where the necessary articles could 
be procured was twenty-live miles. X lady 
teacher in the next district and myself were 
delegated to go with a young man wlio Ijad n 



48 GEMS AND RELICS 

team, to this town to procure the many articles 
that the neighborhood generally wished to pur- 
chase, (and they trusted me with their money 
too, to get the expected preacher a cap, that he 
failed to get on account of his taking a sudden 
notion to run off with another man's best girl, 
however it was none of "our set,") for their lit- 
tle ones and friends. We prepared ourselves and 
was in readiness ere daylight shone to allow us 
to see our escort or the team he drove. The 
poem which greeted our ears at the next meet- 
ing of the society, will explain the rest, which' 
ran as follows, except the names I will omit: 

"It was five o'clock on Christmas day, 

The day we won't forget. 
When Mr started for city 

vSome Christmas toys to -get. 

The roads they were so very rougli, 

And his purse it was so slim 
So and Miss , 

Agreed to go with liim. 

At Ave o'clock ^Ir. arrived, 

At the girls to meet. 

He sat them in the wagon bed 

Because he had no seat. 

Then swiftly o'er the prairie tlew 
The (Christmas toys to get, 



I 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 49 

While 's voice hoarse and hoarser grew 

By yelling'at old •'Bet." 

Very soon they saw a sheet of ice 

Mr, got up to yell. 

But when '"Bet" got upon the ice. 

Upon her side she fell. 

Mr. — jumped out as quick as life 

The horses soon he parted. 
But it took him just about one hour 

To get her up and started. 

At noon in the city he did arrive 

At 's they were stopping, 

Mr. stopped for his dinner there. 

But the girls went out a shopping. 

At two o'clock the girs returned 
With their shopping they were through. 

And as Mr. his dinner had 

He was ready for to go. 

So "Prince" and ''Bet" he fetched around, 
While the girls grew thin and thinner. 

The reason that they looked so slim 
Was because they had no dinner.'" 

With true regret I closed this school, all my 
pupils had made fine progress in their studies, 
and all appeared to be so amiable and such gen- 
eral good feeling throughout the neighbor- 
hood that indeed I was loth to leave it. Above 
all my gratitude was called forth when, ^the 



50 GEMS AND RELICS 

loads of wholesome ivell cooked supply for the 
union dinner table, the last day of school, was 
brought oat, and the many patrons and friends 
of the school came in to help "devour" it, as 
well as to enjoy the exercises of the school. 
Yes, I have used "devour" in the proper place, 
for a hre near noon called all the men and boys 
out on duty, and of course after near two hours 
"fire-lighting," they were ready to "devour" the 
roasted ham and beef in a manner that proved 
to the cooks, that it was appreciated. One old 
gentleman I remember, remarked, "This is the 
busiest crowd I have been in for some time." 
We were always busy, in school they all worked 
to excell, at playtime all worked, at home our 
minds were busy preparing some amusements, 
or our thoughts to be brought out before all 
Saturday eve. I can look back over that 
happy winter without a regret of a single mo- 
ment spent there. Also the closing meeting of 
the society were extra well attended and our 
poet brought forth another poem, which was 
well directed at me, and brought forth applause 
while all eyes were on me, through a grand 
mistake, not and intentiofial wrong, a blunder 
was made which the poem comically narrates. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 51 

'Twas last Wednesday night, and I shall not forget, 
'Tis fresh in my mind, for I think of it yet; 
When I spoke to a schoolmam to take a sleighride, 
For she looked so content, while she sat by my side. 

Slie consented, of course, to what I did say; 
If the w^eather was rough, time passed pleasantly. 
We amused ourselves with chatting and song. 
When she did propose to take a driver along. 

1 consented to this, I thought it best too; 
Then started for home my chores for to do; 
My heart though 'twas small, did fearfully burn, 
Over the sleigh ride we'd have upon my return. 

I did up my chores and dressed in my best. 
And started to see her, that is with a zest. 
Thinking how pleasant 'twould be to have a sleigh- 
ride. 
With a nice little schoolmam to sit by my side. 

When 1 came to the house, my voice it was hoarse; 
1 called for the school ma'om, 'twas right to. of 

course, 
I called for the maiden until I was worse. 
When they informed me, she had gone with the 

driver, of course. 

And now my kind friends, I'm most through with 

my song. 
But where I did right or where I did wrong. 
This conclusion I've come to, I'll sing in my song, 
I'll never more consent to take a driver along. 

Aud now all young men, as you journey thrf)Ugh life. 
And look for a partner, to lake for a wife. 



52 GEMS AND RELIOe 

Keep away from the schoolmams. that is if you 
can, 

For they're apt to run off with some other young- 
man. 

I do not intend a "seqiiaF' to this, but I feel 
that I must state, I was passing through that 
country ten years after, and called "to see the 
folks." I soon learned most all my dear old 
friends had joined various creeds or churches, 
and were at variance; some had concluded they 
were too good to associate with others. I w^as 
glad to step out and reflect if it was not best 
to enjoy everything as it came, as we did all 
iogetJier, or was it best to hunt for each other's 
fault's and attempt to lead them in our path. 
God says, "All things work together for good 
to those who love the Lord." 




OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 53 



The Rent Within The Cloud. 

In our darkest hour of trouble 

When the skj^ is clouded o'er, 
And the deepest waves of anguish 

Beat loud upon the shore, 
Oh, what would be our solace, 

When to earth, with grief, we're bowed, 
If we I could not see so surely 

The rent within the cloud? 

When our friend we loved so dearly 

Proves as false as traitors old; 
When all joy seems but a mockery. 

And that proves dross which we thought gold; 
Before we pause to fret or murmer, 

At adverse billows surging loud. 
We should cast our eyes to heaven 

And see the rent within the cloud. 

For 'tis always there my readers. 

Though a film may it o'ercast; 
Yet one transient gleam of sunlight 

Makes the whole seem bright at last, 
Showing through the frowning darkness, 

The silver lining of the cloud; 
Therefore never pine nor languish, 

There's rent within the cloud. 

— Ola Reed M'Citktstte. 



54- gems and relics 

Baker City, Oregon, 
Mjj dear Old Teacher: 

Last year I got so distracted teaching a 
term in Mo., that I rushed off to the mountains 
to recruit my nerves; and bless your heart, I 
rushed right into a loving husband's arms, and 
am truly glad to say 'quit' the "school ma'am's''^ 
work. Now to begin with, the first day of my 
school in Mo. was a rainy, dull day, toward 
]ioon I had a caller, whose name I did not 
know, but there he stood in the door, with 
pants, or rather overalls rolled up to his knees, 
barefooted, a 'checked shirt' and a large straw 
hat, wet from the "drizzling" rain. As I in- 
vited him to a seat, he remarked, "It rained to- 
day so I coidd not plow, so I thought I'de come 
over and get acquainted." Oh, no, if you are 
a schoolma'am you dare not laugh under such 
circumstances, especially when you don't know 
but it is a brother to some of your fl,ock, and 
sure enough at noon up rushed Anna to say, 
"That is my brother did you know it?" 

The next week I received the following note : 

"Miss I set myself down to drop you 

a few lines, to inquire if you want to goe to the 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 55 

circuss or not, I hearii there is to bee one at 

next Saterdy, if you want to goe, if you 

will goe with me, and if you want to goe at knight 
or in the day time, you must be sure to croe, 

Myhon Myers. 
yoa must goe if you can." 

Of course I never replied, for I did not sup- 
pose he would know what my note meant "goe" 
or stay; at any rate I never heard from him 
again, My next excitement was three families 
of children came to school all on the "war- 
path". A little investigation proved the moth- 
ers had been having a real Jiglit over a spool 
of thread, that had been borrowed by one and 
loaned to another. Thus that little spool of 
thread kept the battle raging, whilst the men 
were rushing to the battle field from the corn- 
fields. Now such a time as I did have with 
those children, to get them to stand or sit near 
each other to recite or play, and forget it was 
not themselves did the "fight". Yet I did by 
telling them of the love Jesus bore his enemies, 
succeed in doing much good and I believe left 
in their minds the germ of several truths that 
have, or will be productive of much good to 



56 GEMS AND RELICS 

them in mature years. Now, I have an invite 
to a quilting, of course I go, as all the ladies 
where I board are going, and I want to see the 
"fun." An old maid on the shady side of life 
is there with all her "billafiickaties," I mean 
her trials and troubles, her diseases, pains and 
fruitless effort to cure. Now teacher, was I 
naughty? Say no, for it was so "funny" to tell 
of some one I knew being thus and this and 
that way afflicted and hear her every time re- 
peat, "That's just the way with me." Of course 
I did not laugh with my lips and the old ladies' 
pride would not allow her to wear glasses, so 
she could see very accurately, (my husband has 
read this and says he hopes the old girl got 
well before she "turned up her toes.) No men 
were admitted at this quilting; yes one young 
fellow did come and put his head in at the 
door, and not looking at the hostess, but rolling 
his eyes rapidly from one face to another asked 
her, if she could lend "mam some salt." I saw 
him but a moment yet me thinks I see him 
still." A few weeks after one of the children 
handed me a sealed envelope with my name 
flourished on it. It read tliusly: 



OF THE SCHOOL llOOM. 57 

"Miss 

I seat myself to write you for the first time, 
you must excuse me for writing to you without 
leaf, I haint much acquainted, but that don't 
make no odds. I don'fc spose you remember 
me, but I saw yon at that quiltin to Mrs. S— 's 
house, but then I don't expect you know me, 
I request you to write to me soon. I can't 
write much till I get an ancer. 
So good by 

H. S. T." 

Right here the romance of my "fun" began 
to grow monotonous, and I most heartily 
wished my school to close. That night near 
midnight I was aroused to rush down cellar, as 
all the rest were going for fear of a cyclone that 
appeared to be drawing near, by going out of 
doors in a dark drenching rain, and following 
the man of the house, with baby in one arm a 
lantern in the other and almost obscured to 
keep the rain off from it, the mother three more 
children, grandma and the schoolmam, succeed- 
ed in finding the door that led us under the 
house by sliding down a board, where while we 
stayed, we had to stand on boards, stones, 
bricks, <fec., to keep our feet dry. Before the 



58 GEMS AND RELICS 

proprietor of this "emigration" had got the 
door closed to keep the storm from coming in 
after me, I suppose is what it wanted. I suc- 
ceeded in getting near enough to see the clear 
sky suddenly lighted up by a bright full 
moon, that would do credit to the lantern, 
towards conducting us back to our beds. Now 
to get out of that cellar took more ''cooning" 
than to get in there. This was all to ridicu- 
lously comical for me to sleep over without a 
laugh, and when grandma, with whom I slept, 
asked me, why I was shaking so, I laughed 
aloud. As I never was very nervous about 
storms, I suppose I could not realize how they 
who w^ere "afraid" felt. So my views of the 
flight, caused me to be left sleeping soandly in 
my bed the next night, whilst all the rest again 
flew to the cellar for safety, near morning I 
was awakened by grandma getting into bed cold 
and damp. Thinking she might be sick, which 
she often was, I asked her what was the matter, 
"Why we have been down cellar, the storm was 
worse this time, but we thought you would 
rather not go, so we left you here." Was I 
indignant? No; I did not blow away or loose 
any sleep or get wet. Daylight revealed to us 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 5l> 

the liavoc the storm had played iu orchard and 
barnyard, yet when it was impossible for me to 
suppress a smile, and a twinkle in my eyes, 
ihi'i) looked as if they were disappointed, that 
the house failed to rattle, enough at least, to 
awaken me from my peaceful slumbers. 

Now teacher, I did try to love my school as 
you used to do; Oh, dear; did you really love 
all the "kids" that came to school to you, and 
me too ? My last day there did come, and with 
it quite a number of visitors. We sang, had 
some good and some poor recitations. I invi- 
ted visitors to make remarks, but none cared to 
speak except the fellow who "come to get ac- 
quainted," the first of the school. After plant- 
ing his one hundred and eighty avoirdupois 
upon the rostrum, rubbing his lip where he 
wished a mustache would try to grow, and tak- 
ing a look at his Sunday shoes and clothes, he 
cleaned his throat and started, "Children I 
would love to remark, I visited this school the 
first week, today I see you have learned a good 
deal, I believe you have a good teacher and I 
guess you all like her, I would." At this he 
bowed himself off. This snatched all the clos- 
ing remarks I had intended to make from my 



60 GEMS AND RELICS 

mind, so I simply dismissed school, drew my 
money, shook the Missouri mud from my feet, 
and now here I am a happy wife, and wanting 
you to come and "get acquainted" with my 
"hubby". Come quick. 

LiLLIE. 




OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 61 



As You Go Through Life. 

Don't look for the flaws as you go through life: 

And even when you find them. 
It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind 

And look for the virtue behind them. 
For the cloudiest night his has a hint of light, 

Somewhere in its sliadows hiding; 
It is better by far to hunt for a star, 

Than the spot on the sun abiding, 

The current of life runs ever away. 
To the bosom of God's great ocean. 

Don't set your force 'gainst the river's course 
And think to alter its motion. 

Don't waste a curse on the universe- 
Remember, it lived before you. 

Don't butt at the storm with your puny form- 
But bend and let it go o'er you. 

The world will never adjust itself, 

To suit your whims to a letter. 
Some things must go wrong your whole life long. 

And the sooner you know it the better. 
It is folly to fight with the Infinite, 

And go under at last in the wrestle, 
The wiser man shapes into God's plan, 

As the water shapes into a vessel. 

—Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 



<)2 UEMS AND KELIOS. 

Dear Tedchei' : 

You remember of course 'me' who was 

such a tease in your school at - — out in 

the country. Well, when you left the little 
town of — — and resigned your work as prima- 
ry teacher there, I took your charge. Many 
from that room are now graduating. As you 
know I am old too, now; and being a wife, 
mother, housekeeper, governess, nurse, cook, 
laundress, besides, the thousands of no name 
duties, and hostess, too, how do you expect me 
to succeed long in being young. I had re- 
ceived a card last June of the ",'i'caduatin^ exer- 
cises of some of my old pupils, but of course, I 
dared not move my averdupois off from the 
amount of work I was holding down here, so I 
failed to be present. As a reward nine of my 
old class surprised me by coming in on the 
morning train to catch me with uncc mbed hair, 
but my nose was clean. One said, ''We have 
come for 'a time,' and we are to have use of 
cook-stove so each can get their own dinner." 
It appeared that each one's mood for amuse- 
ment, brought out their obstinacy, and no two 
could eat the same food, at least it must be 
cooked different. The month beinof June thei]' 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 68 

moods appeared to be in harmony with nature, 
one day very cool, the next warm, and wet and 
dry weather conflicting. This one would want 
a cherry-pie another a good strawberry short 
cake, each wanted potatoes cooked, one must 
roast his in the ashes, ' 'Little Martha," as they 
called her because she weighed one hundred and 
ninety seven, said she would put hers on to boil 
with the ''jackets" on. and then get out of the 
kitchen. Each one would rush to sample every 
dish completed, thus everything was eaten as 
fast as cooked, Henry's wants for a short cake 
demanded he should attempt that task himself; 
after getting his berries ready, was preparing 
the cake, and failed to keep one eye on the straw- 
berry dish he thought he had hid, consequent- 
ly when he had succeeded in keeping those 
who had pie, biscuit and potatoes in the oven, 
out of his way long enough, his cake baking nice- 
ly, he failed to tind his berries, or the culprit. 
*'Murderwill out," Gracie was suddenly very 
sick. As she flew out doors and vomited up 
the stolen property she had so hastily swallowed, 
n rousing laugh could not be suppressed. Thus 
the evening return train came and their dinner 
— where and when did they eat dinner? Gracie 



64 GEMS AND EELICS 

of course "plead guilty" and was released from 
further teasing after promising to "taste not 
what is not your own" no more. As they took 
their departure, it reminded me of 
their departure from the play-ground 
to the school-room. Now I have 

told you all there has been to break the mono- 
tony of my duties for near ten years. Not a 
day passes but I think of your school-room 
motto. "Love and try to make happy," and 
"Do your duty." 

Your well wisher, 

Maey. 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOIVl. 65 



'Too Late!" She Said, "Too Late!" 

1 was sorry, very sorry 

For a willful action clone 
When I, lacking worldly wisdonu 

Had my life work just begun, 
I was sorry for the planting 

Of a seed that brought forth hatf 
In a dear friend's generous l^osom: 

But my sorrow came too late! 

For the bitter sapling tlourished. 

And the branches took on leaves 
Till it hid the welcome sunlight, 

And this thought my spirit grieves, 
For I live now in its its shadow, 

After two score years and ten, 
And each day it waxes greener 

Like the rank grass in the glen. 

1 am sitting by my window. 

And 1 see my old friend pass. 
While his feeble steps reproach me. 

And his sad eyes chide, alasl 
Me was once my faithful lover. 

But for gold and grand estate. 
I proved false, and then repent(Hl. 
But repentance came too late. 



66 GEMS AND RELICS 

If we would but stop to ponder, 

As the seed so is the flower. 
As the flower so will the fruit be, 
To the very latest hour; 
We should the wiser be, and better. 

Well content to watch and wait, 
After sowing, in the morning, 

Precious seed, for love, not hate I 

— M. A. KiDDEK. 

St. Louis, Mo. 
My Dear, Kind Teacher: — 

Can you, and will yon, forigve me, a crim- 
inal, for addressing yon. I believe when I 
went to school to you, I really was a true- 
hearted, honest boy. Oh, my God! 'what 
can love do ! ' Yes, teacher, I did love, and I 
am not ashamed to own that I was capable of 
loving with a true and honest love. I gave all 
my confidence into the care and keeping of her, 
who jilted me at a moment when it ruined me 
mentally, physically and financially. I could 
not be quiet. I became a rover, associated 
with those that gave excitement. May God 
my mother, my father and you, forgive me. I 
knew better, but my mind and heart could 
not be quiet; when my better self did slip 
in and say, ' go home and again be a man,' my 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 67 

throbbing heart appeared to bound right into 
my feverish brain and say " Our hopes of man- 
hood have been murdered." 

Tell me is it not murder to snatch from 
our lives our love, our spirits and ambition? 
And is it not robbery of the lowest stealing to 
get our full and explicit confidence through 
false pretence? But it ivas a crime, a peniten- 
tiary offence, for me, without health, without 
money and friendless, to steal a few dollars 
from a wealthy merchant. Yes, a crime for 
which the law says I must stay here three years! 
Of course, dear friends, 'tis just, but when I 
remember what caused me to get so low, I ask, 
' is justice done all around? ' Oh, dear teacher, 
my only friend — except my mother — I do not 
ho2}e to live to ever get out of this, but will you 
write to me only once and tell me if my once- 
loving Cora is happy with him whom she has 
sworn to love for life. Does she ever remem- 
ber the times we used to play, the songs our 
then sweet voices sang together ? 

May God forgive my wrong and receive 
my soul is the prayer of your school-boy, 

Fred. 



()8 GEMS ANT) EELICS 

Kind reader, the above letter was written 
by the first pupil I ever had. The first day of 
school I ever attempted to teach was a cold, 
rainy day in April, and only one pupil, a bright 
blue-eyed boy of twelve summers that interests 
anyone that loved childhood's freaks. We re- 
cited lessons, eat our lunch, as is customary, 
and, when the rain ceased, departed for home; 
he never missed a lesson whilst I taughc there, 
so intent was he in his studies. When 
asked a question, he answ^ered in a decided and 
concise manner that won my confidence; none 
among my flock could be better trusted for a 
true statement of any trouble that might arise 
than this boy, my boy Fred. When I bade them 
adieu as I left for other work, he, then a large 
boy, was not ashamed to come up with the lit- 
tle ones and kiss me good-bye. Besides, my 
dear readers, I must here state he did not die 
in a prison cell; for this kind and forgiving 
heart of his teacher rested not until its work 
was done. Nor am I ashamed to say I plead 
on my knees to the Governor until a reprieve 
was granted. 'Twas his teacher led him from 
his cell, and when once more outside the prison 
yard, he pillowed his head upon my breast. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 09 

whilst his heart and soul gave away to tears that 
gave him hope to again become a man. It was 
myself that led him to his father and mother 
and mingled my tears with theirs. To-day, he 
is a prosperous, respectable and good man, liv- 
ing in Jamestown, Dak. 




70 GEMS AND RELIOB 



TRUE LOVE. 

There is true love, and yet yon may 

■ Have lingering doubts about it; 

I'll tell the truth and simply say 
That life is a blank v^^ithout it. 

There is a love both true and strong. 
A love that falters never; 

It lives on faith and suffers wrong. 
But lives and loves forever. 

Such love is found but once on earth — . 
Th3 heart cannot repel it: 

From v^hence it comes, or why its birth. 
The tongue may never tell it. 

This love is mine, in spite of all. 
This love I fondly cherish; 

The earth may sink, the skies may fall. 

This love will never perish. 
It is a love that cannot die. 
But, like the soul immortal. 

And with it cleaves the starry sky 
And passes through the portal, 

This is the love that comes to stay- 
All other loves are fleeting; 

And when they come just turn a way- 
It is but Cupid cheating, 

—Alice Carey. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. <1 

Springfield, Mo. 
Mi) Dear Old Teacher: 

I am so happy to-night, I can hardly call 
myself down low enough to write, but I feel 
that I must tell some one that is near and dear 
the good news. You heard, I think, that I ran 
away with the choice of my heart. You re- 
member when a little girl my parents tried to 
keep me from associating with the poor children 
even at school. When I was penned up with a 
governess, hoAV I did wish to be free as those 
poor ones. At the age of sixteen my parents 
had betrothed me to a railroad magnate's son, 
when eighteen I was to become his wife. I 
plead for my freedom, but was told I would be 
satisfied when I was surrounded with wealth. 
I was allowed to spend a few weeks in the 
country with an aunt, here I ran with uncle 
over fields and pastures; and one eve we met a 
young farmer, as we were in the pasture; he 
was, it appeared to me, perfectly happy as his 
clear voice sang "It never pays to fret and growl 
etc," Yes right here in the pasture, I was in- 
troduced to my farmer, he was a friend of my 
aunt and uncle and came often to see ihem of 
course. When I returned home I left with 



72 GEMS AND RELICS 

Frank the secret of my love and my parents 
wish to baffle my happiness for position. Arriv- 
ing at home I made friends with the cook ; often 
she came to my room at night to leave a letter 
and take another to post on the morrow. My 
eighteenth birthday drawing near arrangements 
for a grand wedding was in progress In vain 
I plead for my release. Next 1 refuse to make 
any effort to prepare my wardrobe. When 
mother took it into her own hands and came 
into my room to say I must go up town with 
her and interview a dress maker, I did so but 
not until I had written out my order wh i ch I 
secretly handed the dress maker, then pleaded 
head ache asking mother to go home and come 
down tomorrow. I sent an extra letter out of 
my room by the cook that night. All next 
day I kept my room and plead "not feeling 
well." Indeed, I did not feel well for I felt 
my rights were abused. A few minutes before 
the clock struck ten, and the time for the west 
bound engine to whistle, a farmer boy whistled 
below my window, and in less time than I can 
write it, I stole down through the kitchen, and 
w^as soon in the arms of Frank ini) " farmer bov ' 



OF THE 8(1H00L liOOM. 73 

a moment more and we were seated in a car 
bound for Peora, Ills. 

Arriving there at breakfast time all appear- 
ed hungry but us. Instead of looking for 
breakfast, we sought the residence of a minister. 
I rested while Frank procured the license. 
Whilst waiting I was asked many questions 
such as: 

How old are you? Are your friends will- 
ing you should marry? 

To which' I replied truthfully. Nor do I 
now regret that step, as my hair is fringed with 
grey, Frank puts his arms around me as of old, 
I feel to bless God for delivering me from wear- 
ins^ those new clothes, for Mr. to huo^. 

But to get to my extra good news for the pres- 
ent. My husband has become heir to an estate 
that stands him fimincially above the choice of 
my parents. My query is, will they stoop or 
stand erect to come and see Ida now. I wrote 
them from Peora the day I was married urging 
them to forgive the wrong I was doing in steal- 
ing away at that hour, but urged them to re- 
member, that my life time was before me, and God 
had helped me to save my heart and all my better 
nature from ruin. They never replied. My aunt 



74 GEMS AND RELICS. 

and uncle wrote me that my parents would hear 
to nothing from me, and vowed their doors 
should never be opened to me, "a farmer's wife." 
We ever expect to live on a farm and if they 
wish to come and help us enjoy our blissful 
happiness they will be welcomed by both Frank 
and Ida. I have three girls, and if a manly 
noble heart ever should ask their hand to go 
where their love is deposited, I shall say "So 
be it" and add my blessing, Send greetings, 
quick, to your Ida. 



OY THE SCHOOL KOOM. 75 



IN THE POLICE COURT. 

"Call the next,*' said the Justice, and up to the 

stand 
Stepped a ruddy-faced woman who held by the 

hand 
A bright little girl of some six years or more. 
Well-clad in blue frock and white pinafore. 
vSaid the applicant— bowing and courtesying low— 
''If you please, I would like from your Honor to 

know 
Can I send this, my child, to some decent retreat 
Where she'll get a bit of lodging and something to 

eat? 
The Protectory, now, I was thinking of, sure 
They say that's a place that is safe and secure; 
And I thought if your Honor would give me a bit 
Of an order I'd like her protected in it."' 

Said the Judge— looking kindly at mother and 

child— 
" Is your little one there disobedient or wild ? " 
'' ' Bisohaydient^' is it ? Why, Lord love ye, no ! 
She is the willin'ist darlin' ye ever could know : 
Sure yer own little child, if ye have one, can't be 
More better behaved or more lovin' than she. 
But the times is so hard, and ye see, sir, the rent 



76 GEM« AND KELICH 

Can't be paid any more, foj- the money's all si)ent : 
And there's none but meself now to earn it. ye 

know. 
For Mike— that's my husband— was took years a^o 
From his baby and me: but I kept a bit home 
Safe and sure o'er our heads till these panniek days 

come, 
When things icould go wrong— or uta;/ be they're 

right. 
Only sometimes the reason is hid from our sight: 
And if it seems liard, in this cold time of year, 
To give up my place and to part from the dear. 
Most like she'll get better and constanter care 
From the people in that tine Protectory there 
Than she could from meself. since 1 must be away 
Now at washin' or house cleanin' jist the whole day: 
And so if your Honor would please be so kind 
As to give the bit writin', 'twould comfort my mind: 
And '' — here came a sob— the first she had given — 
" If you can— if you can, for the dear love of Heaven. 
Let me go with the darlin' quite up to the door. 
For we've never — oh! never, been parted before." 

The Judge turned aside. He was young and unused 
As yet, to such scenes, and might well be excused 
If he lingered a moment, ere venturing to speak. 
While he passed his hand slowly o'er eyelid and 

cheek: 
Then his voice, like a woman's was tender and mild. 
As^he told the poor woman he'd care for the child : 
And that night, in his home. oh. how warmly he 

pressed 
His own little baby boy close to his breast, 
And he prayed he might ever be kept from the ])ain. 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 77 

And the sorrows that follow in poverty's train. 

—Home Journal. 

My Dear, Kind TeacJier :— 

Being left fatherless at the age of ten, I 
was early put in a printing office to do errands, 
learning all I could. My poor mother hoped I 
could earn wages; her ever-watchful eye was 
on me to prevent any street rambling ; and when 
the proprietor told me I w^as to take a ramble 
(to test my ability as reporter) through the 
country, I w^as delighted. 

Leaving the city with the hope of coming 
every day in contact with the perfect happiness 
that I had always believed to exist in the little, 
big, old and new houses that were scattered far 
out from our huddled-up homes. 

Going through a lonely road for some 
time, one day, I was suddenly surprised to hear, 
" Hush that noise, Jimmie! " I looked around; 
all w^as silent; it appeared to me that I would 
want the very trees and stones to sing for my 
amusement. A rude house stood in a beautiful 
location, with an intelligent-appearing woman in 
the door. I could not help but wonder trJiy 
she did not " hush " herself, and listen to me 
sing, for I am considered by good authority, as 



78 OEMS AND RELICS 

well as myself, to be a melodious singer, and I 
am sure I was not indulging in a warhoop. 

As I passed through the gate, near the 
lady, she invited me in, as she said: 

" Indeed, I owe you an apology ; I sup- 
posed it was my boy coming, for I am living 
with a distant relative — an old bachelor —and 
he allows no noise by children; I felt that I 
needed this out-of-doors home, for a time, to re- 
new my mind and nerves." 

"Perfectly excusable," said I; ''It will 
teach me, hereafter, to cease my song before I 
get to the gate." 

By this time I had noted a shattered spirit 
and energy, so I continued: 

" Do you not feel that a laughing romp 
with your boy, even a yell, occasionally, would 
do you both good; or have you always been 
averse to merriment?" 

She fixed her eyes on me, as if to say, "Do 
I look like one raised in the woods v, 'th no out- 
let?" 

Sure she did not; for a beautiful pair of eyes 
beamed from beneath a broad and well-filled 
forehead, the tears glistening in them as she 
replied : 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 79 



SOLITUDE. 

Laugh and the world laughs with you; 

Weep, and .you weep alone, 
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, 

But has trouble enough of its own. 
Sing, and the hills will answer; 

Sigh, it is lost on the air: 
The echoes bound to a joyful sound. 

But shrink from voicing care. 

Rejoice, and men will seek you; 

Grieve and they turn and go; 
They want full measure of all your pleasure, 

But they do not heed your woe 
Be glad and your friends are many; 

Be sad, and you lose them all; 
There are none to decline your nectared wine, 

But alone j^ou must drink life's gall. 

Feast, and your halls are crowded; 

Fast and the world goes by; 
Succeed and give, and it helps you live, 

But no man can help you die. 
There is room in the halls of pleasure 

For a large and lordly train. 
But one by one we must all file on 

Through the narrow aisle of pain. 

^BY ELLA WHEELER. 



80 GEMS AND REXICS' 



A GEM. 

There'& many a gem in the path of life* 

Which we pass m idle pleasure, 
That is richer than the jeweled crowiiv 

Or a m,iser's hoarded treasure'. 

It may be the love of a little one-, 

Or a mothers prayer to heaven, 
Or only a beggars grateful thanks 

For a cup of water given. 

'Tis better to weave in the web of life 

A bright and golden filling, 
And do God's work with a ready heart 

And hands that are prompt and willing. 

Than to snap the delicate, minute threads 

Of our curious lives asunder, 
And then blame heaven for the tangled ends., 

And sit and dream and wonder. 

GRANTED WISHES. 

Two little girls let loose from school 

Queried what each would be, 
One said: "I'd be a Queen and rule:*" 

And one. "The world Td see.'" 

The years went on. Again they met. 

And queried what had been; 
" A poor man's wife am I. and yet,'" 

Said one. " I am a queen." 

'^My realm a happy household is. 
My King a husband true: 



I 



-OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 81 

I rule by loving services: 
How has it been with yoiiy" 

One answered: •• Still the great world lies 

Beyond me as it laid: 
O'er love's and duty's boundaries 

My feet have never strayed. 

••Faint mui-murs of the wide world eoine 

Unheeded to my ear: 
My widowed mothers sick-bed room 

Sufficeth for my sphere." 

They clasp each other's hands-, with tears 

Of solemn joy they cried, 
"God gave the wish of our young years. 

And we are satisfied." 

— John G. Whittiek- 

Conquer Thyself. 

"Tis a good thing sometimes to be alone. 

Sit calmly down and look Self in the face. 

Ransack the heart, search every secret place: 
Prayerfully uproot the baneful seed there sown, 
Pluck out the weeds ere the full crop is grown. 

Gird up the loins afresh to run the race, 

Foster all noble thoughts, cast out the base. 
Thrust forth the bad and make the good thine own. 

Who has this courage thus to look within? 
Keep faithful watch and ward with inner eyes. 
The foe may harass, but can we ne'er surprise 

Or over him ignoble conquest win. 
<)! doubt it not if wouldst wear a crown. 
Self, baser Self, must first be trampled down. 

— .If)HX AsKHA>f. 



82 GEMS AND RELICS 



Life's True Significance 

Deeper than all sense of seeing 
Lies the secret source of being, 
And the soul with truth agreeing 

Learns to live in thoughts and deeds; 
For the life is more than raiment, 
And the earth is pledged for payment 

Unto man for all his needs. 

Nature is our common mother. 
Every man our loving brother, 
Therefore let us serve each other, 

Not to meet the law's behests, 
But because through cheerful giving 
We learn the art of living; 

And to live and serve is best. 

Life is more than what man fanciesi 
Not a game of idle chances; 
But it steadily advances 

Up the rugged height of time, 
Till each complex web of trouble, 
Every sad hope's broken bubble, 

Hath a meaning most sublime. 

More of religion, less profession! 
More of firmness, less concession: 
More of freedom, less oppression, 

In the Church, and in the State; 
More of life and less of fashion; 
More of love and less of passion; 

That will make us good and great. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 88 

When true hearts, divinely gifted. 
From the chaff of error sifted. 
On their crosses are uplifted, 

Shall the world most clearly see 
That earth's greatest time of trial 
Calls for holy self denial. 

Calls on men to do and be. 

But forever and forever 
Let it be the soul's endeavor 
Love from hatred to dissever, 

And in vi^hatso'er we do. 
Won by love's eternal beauty. 
To our highest sense of duty 

Evermore be firm and true. 



ARCHITECTS 

Toilers in the work'of life, 
Rearing up the structures fair. 

Stand within the place of strife, 
With your arms and foreheads bare. 

Rear the building doubly strong. 
Roof and gable pointed well: 

And let its portals guard from wrong, 
Leaving truth for sentinel. 

Let the virtues which we teach 

Seem of us a better part, 
And let glow the truths we preach. 

On the tireside of the heart. 



84 GEMS AND RELICS ■ 

I 
Else our work be coiuited lost. 

In the structures we have built. 

And we get not back the cost, i 

By our negligence — not guilt. ,| 

If we slight this work of ours. | 

Leaving parts, and finish none, ', 

We cannot in after hours, I 

Do the work we should have done. ' 

We must finish as we go. 

Stone by stone lay up with care: 
Else the pillars laid below 

Will not hold the gables there. 

But commencing as we should. 

Block by block, and part by part. 
We shall build the structure good. 

Filled with treasures from the heart. 



Scatter Seeds of Kindness. 

There was never a golden sunbeam 

That fell on a desolate place, 
But left some trace of its presence. 

That time could never efface. 
Not a song of ineffable sweetness. 

That ravished the listening ear. 
Then slumbered in silence forgotten 

For many and many a year — 

Ihit a word or a tone might awaken 
Its magical power anew, 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 85 

Long after the sweet voiced singer 

Had faded from eartlily view. 
Nor a heart that was ever so weary. 

Or tainted with sin and dispair. 
But a word of tender compassion 

Might And an abiding place there. 

Yet countless thousands are yearning 
. For sympathy, Ivindness and love, 
And souls are grouping in darkness 

Without one gleam from above. 
There was never a sunbeam wasted, 

Nor a song that was sung in vain. 
And souls that seem lost in the shadows. 

A Saviour's love may reclaim. 

Then scatter the sunbeams of kindness. 

Though your deeds may never be known. 
The harvest will ripen in glory 

If the seed be faithfully sown; 
And life will close with a blessing. 

And fade into endless day! 
Like the golden hues of the sunbeam. 

That fade in the twilight gray. 

—John C. Blair. 



86 GEMS AND RELICS 

Very True, So May You. 

Young man you say you want a wife 

To bless your home and cheer your life. 

A woman true in every way, 

Who does her duty every day; 

Whose love is strong and good and pure, 

A love that wins and holds secure; 

A wife that will not scold and fret 

And make you wish you ne'r had met; 

Whose presence is a shining light; 

Whose counsel guides and keeps you right; 

Who tries to please in little things 

And to your home rare comfort brings. 

A woman who knows how to mind 

Her own business that's the kind; 

Who loves her home and stays right there. 

And does not run around everywhere 

To gossip and to idly chat 

And tell the neighbors this or that; 

Who, when you're troubled, cheers you up, 

And sweetens every bitter cup; 

Who, when you're sick, will nurse you througii, 

As only loving hands can do. 

Young man, take my advice in this. 

If you're in search of perfect bliss. 

In weighing girls, see that you place 

Good sense 'gainst beauty, wealth or grace, 

My friend, you think that you are wise. 

But some shrewd girl may shut your eyes; 

You think you know just what you need. 

But your impressions may mislead. 

For other men have thought so, too. 

But they got fooled and so may you. 

— Camden Post. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 87 

BE TRUE. 

<3(>h rear no costly marble stone 
Above my lowly lying head 
When I am dead. 
.But let me rest in peace alone— 

With wild flowers o'er my up-turned face 
To mark the place. 

Oh. do not come to mourn for me, 
Nor shed one sad regretful tear — 
I cannot hear 
The words you speak— I cannot see 
You bend o'er my low-lying head. 
When I am dead. 

But while I live remember this: 

Be true — as God's great shining stars. 
My prison bars 
You may not break, my lips to kiss 
When, by and by, the grasses wave 
Upon my grave. 

—Isabel JIqtchkiss. 



*'l Say What I Think." 

-•I say what I think." says the valiant man. 

With a voice and look of daring, 
Determined to act on a selfish plan. 

And for nobody's comfort caring — 
■"I say what I think." and at every chance 

This impulse of his obeying. 
"Tis plain to be seen at a single glance 

He doesn't think what he's saving. 



5 GEMS AND EELICS 

Oh, many an arrow will reach the heart 

For which it was never intended, 
If a careless marksman wings the dart. 

And the hurt can never be mended: 
And man}^ a friendship may be lost, 

And many a love-link broken, 
Because of neglect to count the cost 

Of words that ar3 lightly spoken. 

"I say what I think!" Ah! the truly great 

Who give their wisdom expression 
In chosen phrases, would hesitate 

To make such a rash confession. 
For think what injuries might be wrought. 

What evils we could not smother. 
If every one said just what he thought 

With regard to one another! 

To say what you think is a noble thing 

When your voice for the right is needed, 
To speak out your mind with a loyal ring 

When order and law are impeded; 
But the evil thoughts that flow through the brahi 

And the heart should be retarded, 
For we lessen the tide of grief and pain 

When our speech is carefully guarded. 

You may think what you choose, nor give offense — 

Be a traitor and not display it; 
And if you're detticient in common sense. 

By silence you'll not betray it. 
And let it be written in blackest ink. 

For the good of each son and daughter, 
That those who always say what they think. 

Are most of the time in hot water. 

—Selected. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 



My Little Playmate- 

I am a granclsire, journeying close 

On tbree score years and ten; 
And when my daily tasks are done, 

And laid aside my pen, 
I call my little playmate in. 

Now passing on to three. 
For I have need as much of her 

As she has need of me. 

She draws me from the world of fact, 

With all its selfish strife; 
She breaks the prosy lines of thought 

That make up common life; 
She lures me to her little world, 

Where airy creatures dwell, 
Where all things dance in joy and light, 

Beneath some magic spell. 

She wakes again those dreamy songs 

That never vet were sung, 
Which thrill through happy little hearts, 

But not through human tongue; 
She carols like a morning lark 

To usher in the day, 
And bring back memories from a land 

That lieth far away. 

Her roundelays and jingles make 

Such music in my ear, 
With all her tricky words and ways. 

I can not choose but hear. 



90 GEMS AND RELICB 

We leave all other verse aside 

For that small classic lore 
Which Mother Goose has garnered up 

In her undying store: 

The naughty ways of Johnny Greene,- 

The virtuous Johnny Stout: 
The boy in blue who lay asleep 

When cow and sheep were out: 
The robin sitting in the barn, 

With head beneath its wing. 

Because the snow is on the ground. ' 

And he is cold, poor thing! 

The accident to Jack and Jiir. i 

The hurrying little Janet > 

The man who scratched out both his eyes.. • ' 

And scratched them in again: 
The active cow that jumped the moon.. ; 

The bull that tolled the bell— ; 

These are a few, but many more 

Too numerous to tell. 

And then we play at coop and seek: 

The mystery is small; 
We hide behind the nearest chair. 

Or in the open hall: 
And every time that search is made.. 

Within this same small round. 
The happy shout of joy goes up. 

Because the lost is found. 

Oh, let me never grow too old 

To join in merry glee 
With any bright and laughing child 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 91 

That climbs upon my knee: 
Let me still keep the sportive mind 

Until my dying day; 
For what is life, in all its length. 

Without the children's playV 

—Rev. I. N. Tarbox. D. D. 



The Conscience and Future Judgment. 

1 sat alone with my conscience, 

In a place where time had ceased. 
And we talked of former living 

In a land where the years increased; 
And I felt I should have to answer 

The question if put to me, 
And to face the answer and question 

Throughout an eternity. 

The ghost of forgotten actions 

Came floating before my sight, 
And things that I thought were dead things 

Were alive with a terrible might: 
And the vision of all my past life 

Was an awful thing to face, 
Alone with my conscience sitting 

In that solemnly silent place. 

And I thought of a far-away warning 
Of a sorrow that was to be mine 

In a land that then was the future. 
But now was the present time: 

And I thought of my former thinking 
Of a judgment day to be: 



92 GEMS AND RELICS 

But sitting- alone with m}' conscience 
Seemed judgment enougli for me. 

And I wondered if there was a future 

To this land beyond the grave, 
But no one gave me an answer. 

And no one came to save, 
Then I felt that the future was present. 

And the present would never go by, 
For it was but the thought of my past life, 

Grown into eternity. 

Then I woke from my timely dreaming, 

And the vision passed away. 
And I knew the far-away warning. 

Was a warning of yesterday; 
And I pray that I may not forget it 

In this land before the grave, 
That I may not cry in the future 

And no one come to save. 

And so I have learned a lesson 

Which I ought to have known before. 
And which though I learned it dreaming. 

I hope to forget no more. 
So I sit alone with my conscience 

In the place where the years increase. 
And I try to remember the future 
- In the land where time will cease; 
And I know of the future judgment. 

How dreadful so e'er it be, 
That to sit alone with my conscience 

Will be judgment enough for me. 



OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 98 



"Another Stone." 

Yes, stone the woman— let the man go free. 
Draw back your skirts, lest they perchance 
May touch her garments as she passes; 
But to him -put forth a willing hand 
To clasp with his that led her to distruction 
And disgrace. Shut up from her the sacred 
Ways of toil, that she no more may win an 
Honest meal; but ope to him all honorable 
Paths, where he may win distinction; 
Give to him fair, pressed down measures of 
Life's sweetest joys. Pass her, O maiden, 
With a pure, proud face, if she puts out 
A poor, polluted palm, but lay thy hand in 
His on bridal day, and swear to cling to him 
With wifely love and tender reverence. 
Trust him who led a sister woman 
To a fearful fate. 

Yes, stone the woman— let the man go free! 
Let one soul suffer for the guilt of two- 
It is the doctrine of a hurried world 
Too out (»f breath for holding balances 
Where- nice distinctions and injustices 
Are calmly weighed. But ah, how will it be 
On that strange day of fire and flame - 
When men shall stand before the one true 
Judge? Shall sex then make a difference in 
Sin? Shall he, the searcher of the hidden 
Heart, in His eternal and divine decree 
Condemn the woman and forgive the man? 



94 GEMS AND RELICS 



My Mirror's Tale. 

I'm looking- at myself to-nig-ht. 

Upon my mirror's face, 
It is a foolish thing to do; 

And yet I may find grace, 
If, in my inmost heart, I know 
I search for faults this glass may show. 

'Tis not a lovely face I see, 
Not winning and not young; 

It shows the lines and traces of 
A heart hy anguish wrung. 

A face o'er which the storm cloud past. 

To leave it calm and clear at last. 

The rosy bloom of early youth. 

That once had rested there, 
Has gone; a few gray threads shine in 

The darkness of my hair. 
This tells me I have reached the stage 
Where youth hlends with maturer age. 

I wonder as I gaze at it. 

Noting each feature there, 
How some, in loving tenderness. 

Have dreamed to call it fair, 
Yet love can And a charm and grace, 
To beautify the plainest face. 

Image upon the truthful glass, 

Showing myself so clearl 
Tell me—have lowering clouds of doubt 

Left deathless traces there? 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 

Are lines of cold and cynic pride 
Seen on the face 1 stand beside? 

Have liglitning blasts of care and woe 
Blackened the heart within, 

And pictured in the dark-gray eyes 
Glimpses of guilt and sin? 

(), tell me nay! For I have tried 

To cast all wicked thoughts aside. 

Much have 1 suffered: but those days. 

I trust, have purified 
My soul; and driven from my heart 

All foolish thoughts of pride. 
Closely I scan my mirrored face 
To find upon it saving grace. 

I care not for the partial lack 

Of beauty that enthralls. 
If on my face the glowing light 

Of truth and culture falls— 
If in my eyes the spark divine 
Of love for all mankind will shine. 

T will not ask for radient orbs. 

If in my own I see 
The flash of true intelligence. 

Of wit and repartee, 
I only wish for eyes that glow 
With pity for another's woe. 

I'll pass in calm indifference 
O'er crimson flash and hue. 

If health but glows upon my cheeks. 
If curves of lips are true. 



95 



yt) GEMS AND RELICS 

And shadow forth a soul too pure 

To speak false words framed to allure. 

And thus I scan my mirrored face 

Each day; and hope to find— 
Upon the tell-tale glass to see— 

A meelc and gentle mind; 
If, like a veil of priceless lace, 
There falls sweet peace upon my face. 

— LisETTE Clayton Bernhbim. 



The Sin of Omission. 

It isn't the thing you do, dear. 

It's the thing you leave undone. 
Which gives you a bit of a heartache 

At the setting of the sun. 
The tender word forgotten, 

The letter you did not write, 
The flowers you might have sent, dear, 

Are haunting ghosts to-night. 

The stone you might have lifted 

Out of a brother's way, i 

The bit of heartsome counsel 1 

You were hurried too much to say, * 

The loving touch of the hand, dear, > 

The gentle and winsome tone 
That you had no time nor thought for, 

With troubles enough of your own. 

These little acts of kindness, 
So easily out of mind, 



{}F THE SCHOOL KOOM- 97 

These chances to be angels 

Which even mortals tlnd— 
They come in night and silence. 

Each chill, reproachful wraith, 
When hope is faint and flagging; 

And a blight has dropped on faith. 

For life is all too short, dear. 

And sorrow is all too great. 
To suffer our slow compassion 

That tarries until too late; 
And its not the thing you do, dear. 

Ifs the thing you leave undone, 
Which gives you the bitter heartache 

At the setting of the sun. 

—Mrs. Margaret Sanoster. 



Loss and Gain. 

Do not count, when day is o'er. 
Daily loss from life's rich store: 
But the gains, however srnall. 
Count them duly, one and all. 
Every sweet and gracious word. 
Every pleasant truth you've heard; 
Every tender glance and tone. 
Every kindly deed you've known; 
Every duty nobly done. 
Every rightful victory won— 
Treasure all, and count them o'er 
As a miser counts his store. 



98 GEMS AND RELICS 

But if bitter word or thought 
Have a bitter harvest brought: 
If some foeman has assailed you. 
Or the friend most trusted failed you: 
If unkindness and untruth 
Have to you brought saddest ruth. 
Blot the score without delay- 
Keep no record of the day. 

Keep no record of the care. 
Loss and cross we all must bear: 
On the page of memory write 
Only what is fair and bright, 
Let all evil things go by; 
Still with brave endeavor, try 
Simple joys to multiply. 

Thus you learn how large a sum 
Will with faithful reckoning come. 
Long as after cloud and rain 
Blessed sunshine smiles again, 
Long as after winter's gloom 
Summer roses bud and bloom. 
Long as we have with us here 
One sad heart that we may cheer, 
Long as love gilds sorrow's cross, 
Life's rich gain o'erpays the loss. 

— Emeline Sherman Smith. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 99 



Hoe Out Your Row. 

One summer clay a farmer's boy 

Was hoeing out the corn, 
And moodily had listened long 

To hear the dinner horn. 
The welcome l)last was heard at last. 

And down he dropped his hoe, 
But the good man shouted in his ear. 

•• My boy. hoe out your row." 

Although a hard one was the row, 

To use a ploughman's phrase, 
And the boy, as sailors have it. 

Beginning now to "haze;" 
•• I can," he said, and manfully 

Again he seized his hoe; 
xVnd the good man smiled to see 

The boy hoe out his row. 

The lad the text remembered. 

And learned the lesson well, 
That perservance to the end 

At last will nobly tell. 
Take courage man, resolve you can, 

And strike a vig'rous blow; 
In life's wide field of varied toiU 

Alwavs " hoe out 3''0ur row." 



100 GEMS AND RELICS 



Just How It Is. 

When you grasp the hand of fortune. 

And lightly step along, 

The hours glide on like the numbers 

Of a heart cheering song. 
Your pathway is lined with faces 

Where smiles and pleasure blend. 
All the world will offer service 

When you don't need a friend. 

You may sneer at fair discretion. 

When solid at the bank. 
Your rudeness is mere pleasantry. 

And quite the thing for rank. 
Men will thrust upon you favors. 

And fawn and condescend 
Till you wonder at your kinship. 

When you don't need a friend. 

They will shout your name in meeting. 

And vote you into fame. 
They will load your board with ])resents 

Of bric-a-brac and game. 
They will strain themselves in showing 

What kindness they intend. 
When sunshine floods your atmosphere 

And you don't need a friend. 

But wait and note how comical 
This self-same world can be. 

When the sun throws not your shadow. 
And your hopes go to sea. 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 101 

You may have heard the cucumber 

Has arctic chills to lend- 
Well, the world drops under zero 

When you do need a friend. 

—Willi A 31 Lyle. 



Could You Lend Me Ten Dollars. 

'Tis a beautiful thing to have plenty of friends 
Who have never an eye to their ovs^n selfish ends, 
But in shadow or sunshine, sickness or health. 
Will extend you the aid of their strength or their 
wealth. 
There are not many of them-if one- 
As I tested the matter-for fun- 
Making calls on a number, one day, 
"Could you lend me ten dollars?" I'd say; 
And they 
Would reply: *' I am sorry, .but have bills to pay!" 
Or something that way. 

On a lucky old broker-a rich one-I called; 

He was happy and fat, with a round face, and bald. 

I had done him a '• favor " in days that were gone. 

He thanked me, with tears, and declared that upon 
Both his honor and soul he'd not rest 
Till he'd paid me. I now thought to test 
His fidelity; so. with a sigh, 
'• Could you lend me ten dollars?" said I. 
Reply; 

'' I am sorry I can't, my dear friend-it's no lie- 
I am ' short:' that is whv." 



102 GEMS AND RELICS 

Then I called on a merchant-a warm friend of yore 
Who had piled up his wealth like the bales in his store. 
" I'm delighted to see you, old fellow!" said he: 
And he gave me a poke in the ribs in his glee. 

So I sat down and spoke of the weather; 

We conversed fifteen minutes together; 

Then I said; '' I am busted and blue- 
Could you lend me ten dollars? Oh. do I"" 

And. whew I 
His reply was; " I wouldn't for worlds refuse you 
But my notes are just due.'* 

Next I called on a lawyer, a man of ability. 
*' His friendship is surely a thing of utility." 
I remarked to myself, as I entered his door. 
" Why, come in!" said the lawyer, his face beaming 
o'er, 

"I am happy to see you sit down. 

I suppose you are staying in town'?'' 

I am hard up. and hungry, and dry 

Could you lend me ten dollars'?" said T.' 
"Oh. my! 
I have got to establish a strong alibi. 

And must go!" his reply. 

To the house of a banker I next took my way. 
I'd enjoyed his warm friendship for many a day. 
He had bonds, notes and due-bills in heaps that were 

thick 
Yea. and bundles of greenbacks the size of a l)rick. 

•'Ah Good-morning-good-morning!" said he. 

While I thought in his eye I could see 

The true friendship I sought-the sincere. 

"Could vou lend me ten dollars'?" --Oh. deai-! 



OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 103 

I fear," 
He replied, '• that I can't for the end of the year, 
With its payments, is near." 

Next I went to a doctor whose practice was great. 
He'd an income immense and a wealthy estate. 
He had styled me his '' friend," for in days long ago, 
When his practice was small, his resources quite low 

I had aided him some, and he swore 

He'd be grateful to me evermore; 

Hence the doctor I thought I would try. 

•'Could you lend me ten dollars'?" said I. 
'• Oh. fle! 
I'm forgetting my patients; away I must fly! 
Was the doctor's reply. 

To a man of much money and leisure I went; 
His investments were large, yielding twenty per cent, 
I had known him for years, and his beautiful wife 
Had some reason to thank me for saving her life 

When she went through the ice that had 

broke, 
And she couldn't of course, swim a stroke. 
Unto him did I go with my plea: 
''Could you lend me ten dollars?" "Ah. me!" 
Said he; 
•' I was going to ask you this moment, you see, 
For the loan of a V!" 

—A. F. Hill. 



Is A teacher's time VAIvUABI^E? 



BRIEF DESCRIPTION. 



^HMBERTON'S COMBINED SCHOOL 
-^REGISTER is a substantial cloth bound 
book a little larger than the ordinary daily reg- 
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in the school room, and its utility has been care- 
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kinds of schools. The grade teacher who has 
much reporting to do will welcome it as a. labor 
saving device. To the countr}^ teacher, who is 
overburdened with numerous classes and who is 
too often embarrased with various inconveni- 
ences, it will be a powerful aid. Many registers 
are compiled by those who fail to appreciate the 
difficulties of actual school- room work This 
book is entirely different from any thing that 
has ever been issued, yet it conforms perfectly to 
the systems and methods now in use. Its chief 
advantages are completeness, as a permanent 
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ly new and ingenious device for transcribing 
with remarkable speed and accuracy parts of 
such records as reports to parents, term reports, 
promotion certificates, etc. 

It Saves You pouMif ths of the Labor. 

F. L. FAIRBANK, Publisher, 

DES MOINES. IOWA. 



"Labor divided by five' 



PEMBERTON'S 

" Combined Sehool Register. - 

By f^. H. PEMBEP^TON. 

COMPRISING A DAILY REGISTER OF ATTENDANCE 
AND PUNCTUALITY. RECORD OF EXAMINA- 
TIONS, PROMOTIONS AND CLASS WORK, 
CLASSIFICATION RECORD, REPORTS TO 
PARENTS, AND PROMOTION CARDS. 
DESIGNED FOR USE IN DISTRICT 
AND GRADED SCHOOLS. 

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Des Moines, Iowa. 

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IT COIMTAIIMS: 

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2. Record of examinations, class work or other tests. 

3. A system of reports to parents, better than any yet 

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4. A system of promotion certificates which reduces 

this labor 80 per cent. 

5. A complete classification and promotion record, 

brief and simple. 

6. A class record. 

7. Memorandum for course of study. 



THE various features of this register have been tested in 
the school room for several years and finally combined 
and tested again with excellent results. 

In making the combination much simplifying has been 
done. A patent blank book attachment has been inlrcduced 
for holding Report Cards and Promotion Cards and to in- 
crease the speed of transcribing such reports from the regis- 
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and labor, as the cards are always held in })osition for filling 
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Rrico fD&r oopy - ^ 3.00. 
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21 HEflSOflS 



\A/hy This is the Best 
\A/orl< F=»uk3lishecl. 



1. You have a Teacher's Daily Register. 

2. •' " " Class Kecord. 

li. " '• «' Record of Scholarship. 

4. " " " Classification Record. 

5. " '' '* Record of Promol ion. 

(j. •' " '' Supply of Report Cards. 

7. " '' " " " Pioniotiou (yard.s. 

8. •' " " Memorandum of Cour.se of Study. 

9. " '" every thing you need, all in a neat book. 

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Report and Promotion Cards Published. 
Sample sheets, with more complete description will be 
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templates the adoption of some uniform system of keeping 
their records, a sample book will be sent on application. 

F. L. FAIRBANK, Publisher, 

O^S IVIOirMEIS, _ - _ . lONA/A. 



i 

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LIBRARY OF CONGR 

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021 363 608 




